IMPHAL, January 2: Amidst the celebrations surrounding the New Year 2016 celebration, seven shops near the Medical Gate in Tamenglong district headquarter were completely gutted in a fire that broke out at around 7.20 pm, destroying properties worth lakhs of rupees.
The ill-fated seven shops included two groceries, one stationery, second hand garments shop, cosmetic, motor spare part and chicken centre shops.
According to reports received from the spot, the fire might have sparked by an electric short circuit in the chicken centre, spreading to other remaining shops.
On getting information of the fire, a team of fire service arrived at the spot and after battling for a few hours managed to doused the raging fire.
The reports said power supply in the area was cut for certain duration while the fire fighting personnel were trying to extinguish the fire.
Three LPG cylinders also exploded during the fire, causing panic to its nearby residents, it is learnt.
The fire brigade team used two flare fire extinguishers, four fire fighters and three water tanks containing 2500 litres, in trying to douse the devastating fire.
Many locals including one Cheamalaliu who contributed more than 3000 litres of water assisted the fire service team led by OC Tamenglong Janhingam Gonmei in extinguishing the fire.
Personnel of 13th Assam Rifles also helped in fighting the fire that which was finally doused at around 8.25 pm after much effort, the reports stated.